Steve Harris (1949–2022): Visionary Engineer and Founder of Harris Performance Passes Away
On June 15, 2022, an era ended with the passing of Steve Harris – an era when independent engineers, either individually or in small groups, played the most crucial role in transforming the motorcycle industry.
Self-taught, Steve Harris, along with his younger brother Lester and long-time school friend Steve Befford, built Harris racing and road chassis for private individuals and factories. They also assembled motorcycles, designed them, and even sold accessories. This legend created everything from daily commuter bikes to machines for Moto GP and World Superbike.
He crafted excellent racing frames for renowned riders including Barry Sheene. Additionally, from 1992 to 1996, products from his Harris Performance were chosen for the Replica Grand Prix chassis for the YZR 500 engine of world-renowned brand Yamaha's Privateer Team.
Converting Yamaha TZ 250/350 production racers from twin-shock to mono-shock was one of this Hertfordshire-based firm's first successes. Their early customer, racing star Steve Parrish, said, 'Back then, Steve was our only reliable source for anything from motorcycle footpegs to chassis; going to him meant finding a solution.'
Parrish, a close friend, also worked with the firm. In collaboration with Yamaha importer Mitsui, they developed chassis for British superbikes and for the FZ 750 engine.
Harris also worked with Suzuki, designing and developing their Factory WSB machines and taking responsibility for their team.
The ultimate proof of their firm's expertise lies in building Grand Prix chassis. Furthermore, managing the team with lead rider Sean Emmett from 1992 to 1996, sponsored by Shell, was another significant achievement for Steve Harris.
The firm established by Steve Harris was renowned for its own merits. Harris Performance often worked in the background of the industry. Most motorcyclists were well-known for using Harris Magnum frame kits.
Between 1980 and 1990, Magnum kits were produced in large quantities (estimated over 1000).
Lester Harris recalled, 'With our three distinct areas of expertise, we three were complementary to each other. Steve was the main motivator and, in most cases, the driving force. He always thought about the future and believed that nothing was impossible.'
At that time, motorcycle technology was very rudimentary. While many good engines were available, there was a lack of good chassis. Magnum established our firm. We built durable racing chassis for Mike Trimby and Andy Goldsmith, which could also be called road bikes, complete with lights and electrical systems.
Steve was an inspiring engineer, working during a period of independent chassis builders like Nico Bakker, Tony Foale, and Colin Seeley, who were able to bring about dramatic revolutions in factory output.
After the Harris Brothers retired in 2015, Harris Performance was sold to their long-time client, Royal Enfield. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, this esteemed engineer passed away on June 15, leaving behind his beloved wife Gillian and two children, James and Katie.
